Spring/Summer - 2021 - Spark Joy

This trend is a bit different and I think really open to each individual’s own interpretation. The idea of Spark Joy is color and print combinations that make you feel like you are wearing a party. I actually enjoyed putting this together. You know I love print mixing and this pushed me even further outside of my color and print mixing box. Let’s take a closer look.

I got this Universal Threads, sun print top at Target at the same time I got my pastel colored eyelet shirt (seen last week on the blog). Once again, you can see the puffed sleeves. Usually, I am not a ruffle girl, but once in a while, I find something that doesn’t make me look like a clown and this top was one of those times. I think the gathering around the neck helps and that the ruffles are vertical rather than horizontal. Horizontal patterns on us larger ladies are harder to pull off, and that goes for ruffles as well. In fact, when placed as they are on this top, I think it balances out my wider bottom.

This is another LuLaRoe skirt that I found at a local thrift store. The thing I like about these maxi skirts is that I don’t have to worry about wearing a slip. They are comfortable and easy to wear. The fun patterns are great for print mixing as in this outfit, or you can pick any color in the pattern and match up to it. I know not everyone can wear a maxi skirt and I will include a few shopping links at the end for shorter printed skirts for those of you who prefer a midi or knee length style.

My floral, Erin London, bomber jacket you’ve seen before. It was a purchase from Shop National from their mark down section a few years ago. You can see it here with a floral top.

My accessories were simple since there was already plenty going on in this outfit. I chose another long pendant necklace, this time with some bling and fringe. I also opted for a wide black belt to make more of a definition between my top and the skirt. I added a few bracelets, my thrifted, black, a.n.a. loafer heels and my thrifted bucket bag. My daughter does not like this bag. What do you think? She doesn’t like the shape of it. I told her I would ask for your opinion, so be sure to comment below.

So what do you think of this crazy print mixing outfit? I do not really expect you to go out and wear something like this, but it is truly fun to experiment and push ourselves outside of our normal outfit ideas. Would I wear something like this? Probably not exactly as I have it here. I might swap out the skirt for a solid black skirt or pair of pants, or I might change the top for a solid tee. I might even wear the top and skirt together, but switch out the floral bomber for a solid cardi or light weight jacket. You can still have joy with bright colors and print mixing, but you can also look polished and classy.

I’m including a few shopping links for fun prints. Be sure to check those out. These are affiliate links. When you click on a link, I get a few cents. I appreciate every click. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

I hope you are having a great week.

Spring Outfit with ShopNational

I’m taking a brief break from my Pantone Spring/Summer 2019 series to introduce you to a clothing retailer called National. This is a sponsored post. National gifted me the clothing items in this post and gave me compensation for writing the post. All opinions are my own.

National is a family owned business that was started by Eddie Smith. After the influx of women into the workplace nearing the end of WWII, what started as a small mail order operation selling women’s stockings, has now grown into a prospering clothing platform specifically catering to women who like classic styles and clothes made for real life. National sells everything from cardigans and dresses to hosiery and bras. They have kept up with the times, moving from a strictly catalogue based clientele to the inclusion of a more recent online presence. Knowing the history of National, I am excited to bring this retailer to my readers.

The pieces I chose from National revolve around a spring theme, but will work well through the summer. The first few pictures will show the pieces as is, with the later pictures including my own accessories.

The two pieces I chose are the Southwest Embroidered Top and the Spring Blossoms Embroidered Jeans. i have always been a fan of embroidery. It adds both texture and interest to so many different clothing pieces and these two from National are no exception. I saw the jeans first when I was perusing their website, after they contacted me about a collaboration. I fell in love with the embroidery, especially the splashes of yellow and blue. You can see in the pictures below, the embroidery is both on the thigh of the right leg and the lower shin area of the left leg. I like that the floral images are on both legs, yet in different places.

These pants are light weight and have an elastic waist and slimming front panel. I was surprised at how well they fit and how flattering they were. The straight legs could also be worn rolled up for a more breezy summer look. The only drawback of these light weight pants in the white is they are a bit see through. I chose to wear nude underwear, so it was no problem. Just don’t wear those red, hot pink or black panties, or everyone will know. Ha, ha. I ordered these in a large and the fit was perfect.

I chose the top because I thought the denim blue color went well with the blue in the pants. Once again, the embroidery was the selling point for me. This top has a southwest boho vibe, which I love. Look at all the details on this lovely piece.

The v-neck boasts embroidery detail and fun fringe.

The neck ties end in tassels.

The embroidery on the elastic gathered sleeves adds a black and white color contrast.

The shirt tail hem makes it perfect for wearing untucked.

The fabric this popover blouse is made of is a fabric called lyocell, which is a form of rayon. It is machine wash and dry, so easy to care for. However, the fabric is not stretchy and the bust area is a tad tight. I ordered a medium and think I would have felt a tad more comfortable in a large. Overall, another great clothing piece from National.

Here is the outfit with my own accessories.

I really like these pieces and was pleasantly surprised with National. I have never been a big catalogue shopper, but now that National is available on line, I have a feeling I will be purchasing from them again. It is convenient, easy and quick, and their clothing and accessories are classic pieces easily worn by busy women like us.

I hope you will check out National. Right now they are offering my readers a discount. If you use the code Natl20Amy you will get 20% off your entire order and free shipping. This would be a great time to give this family owned retailer a try.

Have a great day.